Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment - Hardcover

by Kay Sargent (Author)

Assist the growing neurodivergent population with strategic adjustments to physical spaces

Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment explores how to employ strategic spatial zoning and sequencing, sensory zones, patterns, textures, colors, lighting, and soundscaping to create spaces that cater to the various sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals, who now make up 1/5 of the world's population. This group possesses unique strengths that can be harnessed if they are in environments designed to be welcoming and supportive of their needs.

Written by Kay Sargent of HOK, a leader in the field of workplace design and architecture, this groundbreaking book argues that even minor adjustments to physical spaces can drive giant improvements in cognitive function, fulfillment, and belonging for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

Some of the topics explored in this book include:

• Reimagining the design of offices and workplaces through a neuroinclusive lens
• Optimizing spaces to accommodate hypersensitivities across all six work modalities, ranging from focused tasks to collaborative endeavors
• Inclusion practices to boost productivity in the workplace and transform high-stress environments into more welcoming and functional spaces for everyone

Filled with practical, actionable strategies for designing spaces that embrace and empower individuals across the neurodiversity spectrum, Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces is a timely, essential read for all forward-thinking HR, DEI, and accessibility teams, as well as architects and interior designers.

Front Jacket

Too often, our work environments are not designed for productivity or inclusion. And while that can certainly be an inconvenience for neurotypical people, it can be downright exclusionary for neurodivergent people who might find it impossible to work in a poorly designed work environment.

In Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment, renowned inclusive workplace design expert Kay Sargent delivers a practical and startlingly insightful new take on how to create spaces that work for neurodivergent individuals while helping everyone thrive.

You'll learn how to employ strategic spatial zoning and sequencing, sensory zones, patterns, textures, colors, lighting, and soundscaping to cater to a group that conservatively makes up approximately 1/5 of the world's population. You'll also discover how to make minor adjustments to physical spaces that generate a positive impact in the areas of cognitive function, fulfillment, and belonging for neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces reimagines the design of offices and workplaces through a neuroinclusive lens, optimizing spaces to accommodate hypersensitivities across six different work modalities, ranging from focused tasks to collaborative endeavors. It shows you how to transform high-stress environments into welcoming and functional spaces where everyone can be productive and comfortable.

Filled with actionable, hands-on strategies for designing spaces that empower all kinds of people from across the neurodiversity spectrum, this book weaves together client stories, interviews with inclusion experts, thought leaders, and individuals who have inspired us, as well as profiles of well-known innovators and creators, and personal insights. This timely and essential resource serves architects, interior designers, real estate and facility professionals, HR professionals, and neurodiversity consultants. It is equally valuable for people responsible for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, academics and students interested in neuroinclusive design, neurodivergent employees, and anyone else with a stake or interest in designing the new world of work.

Back Jacket

Praise for Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces

"Kay Sargent has been a passionate advocate shining a light on this critical issue in the industry highlighting why designing for neurotypes is good for people and good for business. Combining the insights of neuroscience, research, evidence, and the expertise of design, this book sets out considerations and recommendations for those who are building, designing, and operating offices--a holistic approach and must-read for the creation of enabling work environments, where all people can feel supported to thrive."
--DESPINA KATSIKAKIS, Executive Partner & Global Head, Total Workplace Consulting, Cushman & Wakefield

"This book could not be more timely and important... written by one of the world's leading experts in the field, Kay Sargent demonstrates how neuroinclusive design can make a real difference, going beyond a duty of compliance to creating a sense of belonging."
--JEREMY MYERSON, Professor Emeritus, Royal College of Art; Director, Worktech Academy

"I am thrilled to see cognitive well-being get such detailed exposure, and to earn its due attention as a critical component of indoor health. This amazing body of work... will help advance industry understanding and awareness for years to come."
--PAUL SCIALLA, Founder and CEO, Delos; Founder, International WELL Building Institute

"HOK's pioneering research on neuroinclusive design offers a robust foundation for creating environments that are not only functional but also attuned to the diverse sensory needs of all employees. By integrating scientific principles and evidence-based strategies, we can craft spaces that are not just visually appealing but also supportive of mental and emotional well-being, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective workplace for everyone."
--RENI?R ANDR? SAAYMAN, Head of Global Corporate Real Estate Services, The World Bank

"For too long a one-size-fits-all approach has been the go-to for workplace decision-makers, grouping all humans in a singular category and increasing performance issues and well-being risks. Environments matter and mean different things to different people. With this book, HOK and Kay Sargent offer insights and tools to grow businesses and make the world a better place."
--DR. ANNEMARIE LOMBARD, Founder and CEO, Sensory Intelligence^(R) Consulting

Author Biography

KAY SARGENT is the Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors, at HOK, a leading organization in the field of workplace design and architecture. She sits on the Delos Advisory Board alongside renowned wellness and sustainability advocates and is the winner of the IFMA Distinguished Author Award for research on neurodiversity.